SAVE Synonyms: 133 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'save' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of save are deliver , ransom , reclaim , redeem , and rescue . While all these words mean "to set free from confinement or danger," save may replace any of the foregoing terms; it may further imply a preserving or maintaining for usefulness or continued existence. // an operation that saved my life

Q: In what contexts can 'deliver' take the place of 'save'?

The words deliver and save are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deliver implies release usually of a person from confinement, temptation, slavery, or suffering. // delivered his people from bondage

Q: Where would 'ransom' be a reasonable alternative to 'save'?

Although the words ransom and save have much in common, ransom specifically applies to buying out of captivity. // tried to ransom the kidnap victim

Q: When is 'reclaim' a more appropriate choice than 'save'?

In some situations, the words reclaim and save are roughly equivalent. However, reclaim suggests a bringing back to a former state or condition of someone or something abandoned or debased. // reclaimed long-abandoned farms

Q: When would 'redeem' be a good substitute for 'save'?

While in some cases nearly identical to save , redeem implies releasing from bondage or penalties by giving what is demanded or necessary. // job training designed to redeem school dropouts from chronic unemployment

Q: When could 'rescue' be used to replace 'save'?

The synonyms rescue and save are sometimes interchangeable, but rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action. // rescued the crew of a sinking ship

save 1 of 2

verb

ˈsāv

Definition of save

as in to redeem

to free from the penalties or consequences of sin the Christian belief that Jesus lived and died to save humanity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to rescue

to remove from danger or harm the firefighters managed to save the family just as the burning building was collapsing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to conserve

to avoid unnecessary waste or expense we'll have to scrimp and save to be able to afford college

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to preserve

to keep in good condition lovingly saved the classic car and even upgraded its engine

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to dedicate

to keep or intend for a special purpose I'm saving this dress for a formal occasion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

save

2 of 2

preposition

as in except

not including everyone save me is going to the party

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb save contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of save are deliver, ransom, reclaim, redeem, and rescue. While all these words mean "to set free from confinement or danger," save may replace any of the foregoing terms; it may further imply a preserving or maintaining for usefulness or continued existence.

an operation that saved my life

In what contexts can deliver take the place of save?

The words deliver and save are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deliver implies release usually of a person from confinement, temptation, slavery, or suffering.

delivered his people from bondage

Where would ransom be a reasonable alternative to save?

Although the words ransom and save have much in common, ransom specifically applies to buying out of captivity.

tried to ransom the kidnap victim

When is reclaim a more appropriate choice than save?

In some situations, the words reclaim and save are roughly equivalent. However, reclaim suggests a bringing back to a former state or condition of someone or something abandoned or debased.

reclaimed long-abandoned farms

When would redeem be a good substitute for save?

While in some cases nearly identical to save, redeem implies releasing from bondage or penalties by giving what is demanded or necessary.

job training designed to redeem school dropouts from chronic unemployment

When could rescue be used to replace save?

The synonyms rescue and save are sometimes interchangeable, but rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action.

rescued the crew of a sinking ship

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of save

Verb

Then, crews from the Urban Search and Rescue team worked with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to drain the tank and help save the remaining bears from drowning, officials said. — Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 Some will use general rules of thumb, like how Fidelity suggests aiming for three times your salary saved by age 40. — Cicely Jones, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Preposition

Particularly this year, with COVID-19, there are no gatherings to attend save a bonfire or a socially distant hike now and then. — Alli Harvey, Anchorage Daily News, 11 Oct. 2020 But all the candidates save Sanders were in Selma on Thursday to mark the 55th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. — Howard Koplowitz | [email protected], al, 4 Mar. 2020 See All Example Sentences for save

Recent Examples of Synonyms for save

Verb

This is a new-user offer, and licenses must be redeemed within 30 days of purchase.

— StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026
The coupon refreshes daily in the Wendy's app, allowing customers to redeem it each day during the promotion.

— Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of redeem

Verb

Some of those rescued are covered in mud and appear injured after being battered by the flood, one video shows.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
There were at least 15 newborns in the nursery at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad when the fire broke out, hospital officials said, but one baby was rescued, officials with the hospital said.

— CBS News, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of rescue

Verb

Charles Bradshaw, community plans and liaison officer at Naval Base Coronado, said the bridge preserves vital defense access as part of the strategic highway network.

— David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2026
Toll Brothers may have worked to preserve more oak trees than before, but this isn’t the last time Folsom will likely hear about preserving oak woodland.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of preserve

Verb

In the months leading up to the eclipse Charles had dedicated precious down time to prepare his team and test new software for the solar telescopes.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Indie film stalwart Neil LaBute is set to receive a career honor at the Oldenburg International Film Festival, which will dedicate a retrospective to the American filmmaker and playwright and host the world premiere of his latest film, Murderous.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of dedicate

Preposition

At Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort, face masks are required in public areas, except when dining or swimming, capacity of public areas will be limited, and housekeeping and public area attendants will increase their cleaning procedures.

— Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2020
The city advised all residents to stay inside except those going to and from work and anyone seeking or giving emergency care, according to Mayor Eric Garcetti's official Twitter account.

— NBC News, NBC News, 1 June 2020

Definition of except

Verb

None of this is irreversible, which is precisely why the CDC’s complacency is so hard to forgive.

— A.J. Russo, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2026
Financial institutions and community partners may also provide down payment assistance programs, including opportunities that can be partially or fully forgiven over time.

— Patricia Mason, Hartford Courant, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of forgive

Browse Nearby Words

savants

save

saved

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“Save.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/save. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of save

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preposition

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